News Summary
Recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report shine a light on the academic achievements of Augusta high schools. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School ranked No. 4 in Georgia, while A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School also received notable placements. This assessment highlights the schools’ commitment to preparing students for future success and academic rigor. Additionally, Kaitlyn Mixon from North Augusta High School has been recognized as an outstanding student-athlete in the region.
Augusta High Schools Excel in U.S. News Rankings
Augusta, Georgia – The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report have highlighted the academic excellence of high schools in the Augusta area, showcasing their commitment to preparing students for future success. The report, released last week, ranks schools based on various factors, including college readiness, college curriculum breadth, performance of underserved students, and state assessment proficiency.
Among the standout institutions, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School achieved an impressive position, ranking No. 4 in Georgia and No. 170 nationally. This achievement underscores the school’s strong academic programs and its focus on nurturing high-achieving students in the arts.
Other Augusta schools also garnered favorable rankings. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School placed No. 18 in Georgia, demonstrating its significant role in preparing students for careers in health science and engineering. Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School followed closely, ranking No. 56 in the state, while Lakeside High School in Evans achieved the No. 66 position. Greenbrier High School, also located in Evans, secured a ranking of No. 44 in Georgia.
Ranking Criteria
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are part of a broader initiative aimed at evaluating which high schools effectively prepare their students for adulthood. The assessment takes into consideration a comprehensive set of performance measures that reflect both academic rigor and equity among diverse student populations. These rankings, however, excluded schools from South Carolina, focusing solely on those within Georgia.
A+ Athlete Spotlight
In addition to academic rankings, the broader educational environment was further celebrated with the recognition of local athletic excellence. Kaitlyn Mixon from North Augusta High School was announced as this week’s “A+ Athlete.” Mixon exemplifies leadership and academic achievement, actively participating in varsity volleyball and softball. She maintains an impressive 4.86 GPA and is enrolled in dual enrollment courses at USC-Aiken.
Mixon’s leadership extends beyond academics; she is a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club, and she serves as the editor of her school yearbook. Additionally, she contributes to her school community as the Student Body Vice President. As part of the A+ Athlete program, one athlete will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship in May, highlighting the commitment to recognizing outstanding student-athletes in the area.
How to Participate
Schools wishing to nominate A+ Athletes can do so by emailing the designated address or utilizing the submission form available on a specific website. This initiative encourages schools to honor students who excel both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities, thereby promoting a well-rounded education.
The Bigger Picture
The accolades received by Augusta area high schools reflect a collective effort to uplift educational standards and promote success in diverse areas. With a strong emphasis on both academics and extracurricular activities, schools in the Augusta region continue to make strides in preparing students for their future endeavors.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta High Schools Excel in U.S. News Rankings
- The Augusta Press: CSRA High School Football Week 1 Scores
- WRDW: Gun, Knife Found in Car at North Augusta High
- WFXG: North Augusta High’s Kaitlyn Mixon Named Fox54’s A+ Athlete
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: High School Ratings in Georgia

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.